More about Friends

Friends can be a complicated issue for many preschoolers. At times it can be hard for some children to make friends. Some children threaten to not be a friend if things don’t go their way. Other preschoolers have difficulty understanding that you can have more than one friend. Being a new child in school can be especially difficult for some children. The following books may help children in your class build their understanding of being a friend and accepting new friends..
Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes is the story of two friends who do not want to play with the new girl in the neighborhood. One day the new girl rescues the boys from some older boys. From that point on, the boys are glad to have her around. After reading this book, help the children recall the things Chester and Wilson enjoyed together and if Lily could have played with them. Discuss things the children in the class like to do with friends. You might want to plan some special projects which groups of three could do.
The New Friend by Charlotte Zolotow (1968) is the story of two friends who do everything together until one day, one of the girls gets a new friend, The girl who is left out tells us how sad she is. There is not happy ending which leaves it open for children to suggest solutions to her problem. Great to use in small groups or individually to help children deal with the problem of losing a friend or build empathy for others.
The New Girl by Jacqui Robbins (2006) is the story of a new girl in class. One of the class members volunteers to be the new girl’s friend but this is not as easy as we might expect. The teacher in the story talks about making the new girl feel “at home.” This could be a great book to use when you know there will be a new child entering the class. The children could discuss/draw how they could make a new child feel “at home.” They might also make some other special preparation for the new girl. Children could help the teacher place new name tags, help find a spot for her belongings or even make posters welcoming the child.
Best, Best Friends by Margaret Chodos-Irvine is a short simple story of two girls who are best friends until one gets mad at the other. This story is good for helping children understand that friends can get mad and still remain friends. Let children talk about times they got mad at their friends and then help them find ways they can make up with them. Children know they get mad, but may not be sure of what to do next. Help them brainstorm ideas of things to do when one friend is mad.
Other books about friendship include:
Loudmouth George and the New Neighbors by Nancy Carlson (1983)

Earl’s Too Cool for Me by Leah Komaiko (1988)